Being involved in animal rescue for over a decade, I have been struck by the selflessness of the volunteers and shelter workers around the earth! Even though every location has different challenges and obstacles in their way to make a difference, they somehow find a way to save lives. Despite the emotional toll and physical toll on them.
But even the people like me and you who adopt the ones that they have cared for often don’t know the full story behind each animal. Some stories we may know, yes. But I find that when I have rescued an animal, sometimes I think that I know why a particular behavior manifests. And I truly don’t.
For example, I adopted a dog that was very afraid of feet and brooms. Somehow, I made up a story in my mind that he was hit and kicked. Did I know this? No. But it seemed more logical than just thinking he had no reason behind that behavior. I also adopted a dog afraid of water. I made up in my mind that he was left in the rain. Do I know this? Absolutely not. I wish I knew. So I have often tried to find the answers to a story when maybe that story never even happened. So why is this dangerous to the cause of animal rescue?
I believe that rescue animals are often looked at as though they are damaged and not able to be helped with behavior or physical issues. I see that those who perhaps are more inclined to purchase a dog from a breeder instead of a rescue to shelter do so because they think they can’t handle a rescue. And that all rescues have had a horrible past. Or have been neglected. This is not true. Normalizing that not all rescues have tragic stories may be able to get more animals adopted in the long run.
How many times has someone told you that their dog was a bait dog? This is true in many cases. But not all animals with scars or emotional wounds have been bait dogs. We should strive to inspire others with happy endings of rescue stories instead of tragic story beginnings.
Let’s work for animals and the people who give of their emotional and physical resources. Let’s spend our time and energy in a positive way to shine a positive light on rescues. And normalize that rescue animals are not damaged.
-Rachael Johnson
Founder, 2 Traveling Dogs
We want to fill social media with happy ways to save an animal’s life. We give our time and resources to this cause. We have worked daily for over a decade to grow our pages to help provide free exposure to shelters and rescues at no cost. We reserve space for animals in need. Not sponsors. But we need your support.
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